November 1

By Jessica Larson

Note: When this Solemnity falls on a Monday or Saturday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated.

The history of the feast of All Saints dates to the end of the second century. The saints are holy men and women – true friends of God – to whom the church today invites us to turn our gaze. Though they may appear perfect on their prayer cards, they are people just like you and me. However, they learned to know themselves and direct their efforts toward God and others.

Today, the saints encourage us to aim high, to look in the distance toward the goal and the prize that awaits us. They invite us not to resign ourselves before the difficulties we face each day because life will not only come to an end, but it also presents us with a goal – eternal union with God.

Through this feast, we recognize the friends of God and models of a blessed life who intercede for us and encourage us to live this last part of the liturgical year with greater intensity.

Evidence in the second century reveals veneration of the saints (martyrs, apostles and men and women who had lived heroic Christian lives).

Toward the end of the year 1000, due to the uncontrolled development of “saint-making” and the “purchase” of relics, a process for canonization was developed that required evidence of miracles.

The feast of All Saints began in the East in the fourth century in Rome on May 13. The observance started to spread elsewhere, and in the eighth century, in England and Ireland, the feast was observed on Nov. 1. Rome adopted the Nov. 1 date in the ninth century.

The feast falls toward the end of the liturgical year when the church fixes its gaze on the last things. Therefore, it is fitting that the thought of those who have already crossed the gates of Heaven should find a place in our hearts.

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